What to fill my duck run with? And progress pics

[DwayneNLiz]

you might be able to skip the mats, but i was thinking it would help keep the ground where you want it and no tunneling to china

ETA - ducks arent scratchers like chickens so the mesh should survive the ducks so long as secured in place well (stakes or whatever)

 

[Miss Lydia]

I don't have a "run" mine forage on half acre but around my pools and watering areas I have land scaping material down and the round small rocks [Lowes] and it really helps keep down the mud. It has to be added to over the years but thankfully I live above a mt river with all the round stones I can bring home but it isn't expensive to keep up anyway. And very easy to wash off. Only thing I can see this would be a problem is if they are kept in these runs all the time they will find a way to muck it up.

 

[duluthralphie]

Hi Shaw, I don't have ducks but for some reason I'm attracted to the duck threads - must be the company! For a deep litter base I suggest wood chips that have been properly aged to eliminate any risk of aspergillus spores. These create sponge like gaps that allow drainage and are an excellent base for adding leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste, etc. I didn't finish reading yet, so appologies if this was already mentioned.
eta ... too lazy to correct my misspelling of aspergil...

You seem like the second smartest person on this thread...

Just for the record, I almost got two ducks 2 weeks ago. BUT my cousin refused clean and process them for me.

Now for my next suggestion. What if you use a first layer of real fine chips (think sawdust) packed down and then the large chips on top of that. The fine chips seem to make a hard layer when I use them.

Of course, I try to never use them but some places LIE about the size of their chips...

 

[biophiliac]

You seem like the second smartest person on this thread...

Just for the record, I almost got two ducks 2 weeks ago. BUT my cousin refused clean and process them for me.

Now for my next suggestion. What if you use a first layer of real fine chips (think sawdust) packed down and then the large chips on top of that. The fine chips seem to make a hard layer when I use them.

Of course, I try to never use them but some places LIE about the size of their chips...

Putting the wood chips directly on top of the soil is supposed to improve the soil attracting worms to feed on nutrients filtering down through the composting deep litter and further improving drainage. Is the hard layer formed by fine chips beneficial in your location?

PS my lack of ducks isn't because I wouldn't love some.

Wood chips from the community composting site directly on soil worked great for me. It was a mix of sizes of pieces and sticks and leaves. Mostly from the Village's tree trimming. Just be careful of fresh chips re fungal spore 'blooms'.

 

[duluthralphie]

I am on a sand dune. So any layer helps me keep the sand down.

I do everything I can to avoid earthworms. They are in the cycle for blackhead and carry other nasty things I don't want in my flock.


I guess if you want dux, I am the only Genius here.

 

[Kiki]

How about DE?

 

[duluthralphie]

But You're anti-corn too, so, we have to take your thoughts with a grain of salt.....

 

[PirateGirl]

In my garden boxes I do a layer of rocks (roughly softball size), then dirt. The rocks help fill volume quickly, and allow drainage. The dirt fills the gaps, but doesn't all wash away, and with birds it will pack down on top. I agree with others that anything will pack down with time so use more than you think you will need.

 

[BantyChooks]

 

[biophiliac]

I am on a sand dune. So any layer helps me keep the sand down.

I do everything I can to avoid earthworms. They are in the cycle for blackhead and carry other nasty things I don't want in my flock.


I guess if you want dux, I am the only Genius here.

Got it,thanks!